Swindon Town's Nile Ranger charged with criminal damage

The 23-year-old will appear before Swindon Magistrates' Court today

Ex-Premiership footballer Nile Ranger was charged with criminal damage last night - but will face NO further action over claims he assaulted a woman.

Striker Ranger, 23, was arrested after CCTV footage appeared to show him trying to kick in a door at a block of flats and allegedly slapping and punching a woman.

The former Newcastle United striker, who now plays for League One side Swindon Town FC, is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates' Court today.

He is accused of causing around £2,000 of damage to a lift door, wall and a glass panel at his luxury apartment block in Swindon.

The £5,000-a-week star was arrested after the Sunday Mirror revealed CCTV footage of Ranger taken by a camera at the entrance to the flats on April 13.

It allegedly shows Ranger assaulting a mystery brunette and trying to kick in the front of an apartment block after seeming to get angry after he could not find his electronic key fob.

But Ranger will only face criminal damage charges after Wiltshire police interviewed the woman on the video.

A police spokesman said damage ‘in the region of £2,000’ was caused and added: "Wiltshire Police can confirm that Nile Ranger, 23, of Gordon Gardens, Swindon, has been charged with one count of criminal damage.

"He has been remanded in custody.

"He will appear at Swindon Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning."

The spokesman added: "We have identified the woman we wanted to speak to in connection with this and have spoken with her."

Swindon Town chiefs have asked Ranger to attend a disciplinary hearing on Thursday after club chairman Lee Power spent yesterday locked in talks with team manager Mark Cooper.

A spokesman for Swindon Town said yesterday: "Swindon Town can confirm that meetings have taken place between senior members of the club and, having consulted with the various football bodies, the club have invited Nile Ranger to attend a disciplinary hearing on May 1 to take place at The County Ground.

"The club have contacted Nile informing him of this meeting. Meanwhile, an investigation is being carried out.

"The club have provided Nile with reasonable notice of this disciplinary meeting to allow him the opportunity to state his case.

"The club will make a further statement following Thursday's hearing."

Ranger has made an apparent vow to quit boozing after writing on his Twitter account on Sunday: "No more alcohol .. From today."